FORTY-SEVEN participants in the Western Division expanded their knowledge at a recent workshop on mobile phone applications for farmers and agri-businesses stakeholders.

The workshop in Lautoka was facilitated by Doctor Thao Nguyen from the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Dr Nguyen introduced a pilot version of the mobile application specifically designed for farmers, agri-food processors, exporters, and produce buyers in the tourism and retail industries.

Among these was Fiji Makete — a market trading facility created by Digicel Fiji in partnership with F1 Mobile Solutions that allows farmers to sell their products to potential buyers — and mAlerts, an information distribution system that allows users to reach multiple parties via SMS text messaging.

It also includes mPrices, a market price tracking system that allow users to view current retail prices of a range of fresh produce at municipal markets around Fiji. Another application, Farmers' tips, allows agricultural tips to be sent by SMS messaging service and provides information on growing crops, pest and disease control, and practical advice.